Description
Savory honey balsamic roasted carrots elevate simple root vegetables into a gourmet side dish. Caramelized edges and rich glaze make this recipe a delightful companion to any main course you’ll want to savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) carrots, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tbsps honey
- 1.5 tbsps balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless roasting and cleanup.
- Carrot Seasoning: Toss carrots in a mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper, massaging thoroughly to create an even, glossy coating that enhances flavor and texture.
- Initial Roasting: Arrange seasoned carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring maximum caramelization and even cooking for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden and tender.
- Glaze Creation: Simultaneously whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, thyme, and lemon juice in a small bowl to develop a vibrant, complex flavor profile for the carrots.
- Glazing Process: Remove carrots from the oven, pour the prepared glaze over the vegetables, gently tumbling to achieve complete and luxurious coating, then return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to thicken and caramelize the sauce.
- Serving Presentation: Transfer the glistening, glazed carrots to a serving platter, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a final burst of color and herbaceous freshness.
Notes
- Carrots Selection: Choose fresh, firm carrots with vibrant orange color for best texture and sweetness; medium-sized carrots roast most evenly.
- Uniform Slicing: Cut carrots into similar-sized pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven roasting or burning.
- Glaze Timing: Apply balsamic honey glaze during final roasting stage to prevent burning and maximize caramelization without scorching delicate sugars.
- Spacing Strategy: Avoid overcrowding baking sheet; leave room between carrots to allow proper air circulation and achieve crispy, golden-brown edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg